What does washcloth mean?
Washcloth is chiefly a North American noun for a small, absorbent piece of fabric used to wash the face, hands, or body. It is usually made from cotton or a similar soft material and may be used damp, warm, or with soap. The word can also have the older or broader sense of a cloth intended for washing, including washing dishes, though that meaning is less dominant in contemporary American usage. In British English, facecloth or flannel is often preferred for a small cloth used to wash the face, so washcloth may sound somewhat regional to some speakers. The term is especially associated with domestic routines, bathrooms, and caregiving contexts, such as cooling a feverish person or cleaning a child’s face. Although modern disposable wipes and towels may serve similar purposes, a washcloth remains a simple, reusable household tool.
nounA washcloth is a small absorbent cloth used for washing the face, hands, or body. In some contexts, especially historically and in regional usage, the word can also refer to a cloth used for washing dishes.
- A small absorbent cloth used for washing the face, hands, or body.
- A cloth used for washing dishes, especially in historical or regional usage.
"She cooled her face with a damp washcloth."
"The nurse brought him a warm washcloth and a glass of water."
"After dinner, she used the washcloth to wipe the crumbs from the table."
The standard plural adds -s; the plural possessive is washcloths'.
"The nurse brought clean washcloths and fresh towels."
A washcloth is a reusable multitasker: face towel, hand towel, and spill cleaner in one small square.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does washcloth come from?
Washcloth is an English compound formed from the words wash and cloth. The first element descends from Old English wāscan, meaning “to wash,” while cloth comes from Old English clāþ, which was also related to clāðan, meaning “to clothe.” Historically, washcloth referred broadly to a cloth used for washing; in later North American usage, it became especially associated with a small cloth for washing the face and hands.
Related word forms
How washcloth is actually used
In North American English, washcloth usually denotes a small cloth for washing the face, hands, or body. British English more often uses facecloth or flannel for this item, while washcloth may be understood more broadly or as a dishcloth.
Easily confused with washcloth
A dishcloth is intended primarily for washing dishes, whereas a washcloth usually means a smaller cloth for washing the face, hands, or body.